Becoming a Practitioner
How to Become Registered to Practice Before the USPTO in Patent Matters
All individuals seeking registration must meet the requirements of 37 CFR §11.7, including the possession of legal, scientific and technical qualifications, and good moral character and reputation. Instructions for demonstrating possession of the necessary qualifications can be found in the General Requirements Bulletin. The possession of legal qualifications is ascertained by passing the Registration Exam. Former USPTO employees may be eligible for waiver of the registration examination. See 37 CFR 11.7(d).
The General Requirements Bulletin (GRB) [PDF]
A printed copy of the GRB may be purchased from the USPTO for a fee of $15.00. You may submit a request and the fee by check or credit card to OED. The credit card form is available here.
The Registration Examination
Examination for Registration to Practice in Patent Cases has been updated to Include New Provisions from the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has updated the content of the registration examination. The updated examination includes provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) that took effect September 16, 2012. For further information concerning AIA, please refer to the AIA Implementation website.
Click here for information about the examination, its administration, and results.
Limited Recognition
Application for Reciprocal Recognition to Practice in Trademark Matters before the USPTO under 37 CFR 11.14(c) by a Foreign Attorney or Agent. PTO-158T
Application for Limited Recognition in the USPTO Law School Program for Law Students to practice before the USPTO under 37 CFR 11.14(c). PTO-158LS
Foreign individuals may apply for limited recognition in certain situations. See the General Requirements Bulletin for more information.
